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Longer social media use duration is associated with increased depressive and anxiety symptoms in adolescents

This retrospective study of 156 adolescents found significant positive correlations between average daily social media use duration and PHQ-9 scores (r = 0.352, p < 0.001) and GAD-7 scores (r = 0.308, p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression identified longer social media use as an independent risk factor for positive depressive symptoms (OR = 1.794, 95% CI: 1.261-2.547) and positive anxiety symptoms (OR = 1.624, 95% CI: 1.169-2.267).

Last updated: Aug 26, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score34/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Association Between Social Media Use Duration and Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms in Adolescents: A Retrospective Study.

observational

Feng L, Tan Z · Actas espanolas de psiquiatria (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: January 2022 to December 2023
Intervention: Social media use duration (measured in hours per day, not specified in abstract)
Outcome: Depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 score) and anxiety symptoms (GAD-7 score)
Effect Size: OR = 1.794 for depression; OR = 1.624 for anxiety
Population: Adolescents admitted to a mental health service center in Hunan Province, China, between January 2022 and December 2023

Result:

PubMed: 42633519DOI: 10.62641/aep.v54i4.2228

Mechanism Graph

Adolescents engage in social media use for varying durations
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Longer duration may lead to increased exposure to negative social comparisons, cyberbullying, or reduced physical activity
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These factors may contribute to psychological distress
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Result: Higher PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores, indicating more depressive and anxiety symptoms

Limitations

  • ⚠Retrospective design limits causal inference
  • ⚠Single-center study with a small sample size (n=156) may limit generalizability
  • ⚠Social media use duration was self-reported, potentially subject to recall bias
  • ⚠No data on content or type of social media use, which may confound results

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the association between social media use duration and depression in adolescents?▼

The study found a significant positive correlation (r=0.352) and identified longer social media use as an independent risk factor for depressive symptoms (OR=1.794).

What was the sample size and study design?▼

The study was retrospective, analyzing data from 156 adolescents admitted to a mental health service center between January 2022 and December 2023.

What other factors were associated with depression and anxiety?▼

Authoritative and permissive parenting styles, medium and poor academic performance, and reduced weekly exercise frequency were also independent risk factors for depression or anxiety.

Is this evidence causal?▼

No, the retrospective design precludes causal inference; it only shows an association.

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References

  1. 1.Feng L, Tan Z. "Association Between Social Media Use Duration and Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms in Adolescents: A Retrospective Study.." Actas espanolas de psiquiatria, 2026. PMID: 42633519 DOI: 10.62641/aep.v54i4.2228
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.